This Sriracha Lime Chicken recipe is as easy as it is delicious! Sriracha lime marinated chicken is baked in the oven for a healthy, gluten free meal.
Over the past few months I’ve been focusing on healthier meals while still keeping the flavor and convenience I need as a busy cook. One simple switch that keeps things satisfying is making a batch of flavorful protein at the start of the week and using it all week long in different dishes. This Sriracha Lime Chicken is exactly that kind of recipe: bold, bright, and effortless to prepare. It’s baked in the oven with a quick lime and cilantro-spiked sriracha marinade, resulting in juicy chicken that works equally well in burrito bowls, salads, tacos, or served with rice and vegetables.
This recipe meets a lot of everyday needs: it’s simple to pull together, naturally gluten free (use certified gluten free sriracha if you need to), and scales easily for meal prep. Marinate the chicken for an hour, bake it, and you’ll have versatile, ready-to-use protein to add to bowls, wraps, or plates throughout the week.
Sriracha Lime Chicken Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice (fresh)
- 2 tbsp sriracha
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 4 chicken breasts (approximately 2 lbs, boneless and skinless)
- 2 small limes, thinly sliced
Sriracha Lime Chicken Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, chopped cilantro, lime juice, sriracha, crushed garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in an oven-safe dish or shallow baking pan. Pour the marinade evenly over the chicken, turning each piece so it is coated.
- Thinly slice the additional limes and place a few slices on top of each piece of chicken to infuse extra citrus flavor as it marinates.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for one hour to allow the flavors to develop. If you have more time, you can marinate up to a few hours, but avoid marinating much longer than that if your marinade is highly acidic to prevent texture changes.
- About 10 minutes before baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Remove the covered dish from the refrigerator, remove the cover, and place the chicken in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. For safety and best results, the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing or serving. The resting time helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken is excellent for meal prep. Slice or shred a breast per serving and use it in any of the following ways:
- Burrito bowls with cilantro lime rice, black bean and corn relish, and avocado or a creamy avocado sauce.
- On top of a green salad or a grain bowl such as quinoa for a protein-packed lunch or dinner.
- Wrapped in tortillas or lettuce leaves as tacos or burritos.
- Served with cilantro lime cauliflower rice, Mexican quinoa salad, or restaurant-style Mexican rice for a heartier meal.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust heat: Increase or decrease the sriracha to match your preferred spice level. You can also add a touch of honey or maple syrup to balance heat with sweetness.
- Herb swaps: If you don’t have cilantro, parsley will work as a milder alternative.
- Make it ahead: Marinated, baked chicken stores well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying it out.
- Grill option: For a charred flavor, grill the marinated chicken over medium heat until cooked through instead of baking.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 513 kcal • Carbohydrates: 5 g • Protein: 48 g • Fat: 32 g • Saturated Fat: 5 g • Cholesterol: 144 mg • Sodium: 726 mg • Potassium: 888 mg • Fiber: 1 g • Vitamin C: 20.5 mg
Author: Whitney Bond
When you try this Sriracha Lime Chicken, you’ll find it easy to prepare and a bright, versatile base for many meals. It’s an excellent recipe for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or for serving guests who appreciate bold, fresh flavors. Enjoy!
